Strange return situation

[kelnbucksmith]

I've found a few scenarios similar to mine, but none that fully satisfy my anxiety. 

I'm new to selling here and have encountered what I believe to be yet another scam attempt. I sold a pair of slippers with the size clearly listed in the title and description; I even added a picture of the number. Within hours of the slippers being delivered, I get a message from the buyer saying she didn't realize what size they were and asked if she could return them. At first, this seemed like an innocent, albeit silly, mistake. I told her it was no big deal, and that I'd be happy to help with the return. I told her about the return request, and how to find the drop-down menu. She acknowledged this communication. 

In the time I was waiting to hear back from her, I got curious. Her username involves words that describe her as a shoe fanatic, and this was supported by the feedback both as a buyer and seller on her profile. This made me question the excuse for the return, but figured it was better than claiming INAD. I was guessing it was a gift gone wrong. Still no big deal. 

The real worry arose as I just got another message from her saying that she sent back the slippers but couldn't print the label because her printer is broken. Now I'm confused. I never sent a label, and I never got a return request notice from eBay (I'm expecting this based on the eBay literature, not from experience). All tolled, I'll be out less than $50 assuming a worst case scenario, but this seems like a bigger issue. I'm tempted to assume she is some sort of drop shipper, but where is the incentive to buy at retail (minus the $5 discount I gave when she made the original offer) and resell at retail? Unless, of course, the slippers coming back to me are not mine; then it makes great financial sense. By avoiding the actual return request, I feel like this sort of behavior can easily go unchecked indefinitely.

While typing this, I heard back again. This time, she said that she just opened the request, and now I do have the eBay notice. If the slippers were already put in the mail, how do I pay for shipping? Something definitely seems fishy about this. I have a feeling I'm pretty much out of luck, but I wanted to check first. 

Does anyone have a suggestion on what I should do so that I don't get dinged for this? How do we protect against this stuff going forward? Thanks all. 

[kensgiftshop]

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@kelnbucksmith wrote:

I get a message from the buyer saying she didn't realize what size they were and asked if she could return them.

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Sounds like the buyer might be honest.

Even though you offer free returns, she admits it was her fault and decided to pay the return charge.

Hope I'm right?

[kelnbucksmith]

I hope so, and I appreciate your optimism. 

I know I'm even more skeptical these days than normal, but so much seems fishy about this that I can't stop myself from assuming the worst. 

[lisa5768 · Accepted solution]

"While typing this, I heard back again. This time, she said that she just opened the request, and now I do have the eBay notice. If the slippers were already put in the mail, how do I pay for shipping? Something definitely seems fishy about this. I have a feeling I'm pretty much out of luck, but I wanted to check first."

Since she has now opened a return request, accept the return and send a return label. If she has already sent the slippers using her own label then she will not need to use your label and you will not be charged. She can upload the tracking for her label into the request. When the slippers get delivered to you then you can refund.

[pooh333piglet]

Well you have the hamster wheel going that's for sure. Thoughts are just thoughts, not facts. 

Anxiety within you is the issue. Not the buyer. It's up to you to sell on Ebay in the future is how you protect yourself. 

You wont get dinged as long as you refund when you receive them back. If continuing to take free returns expect more of them. Possibly on a regular basis

[andypan_2]

General reply:

Not all buyers are scammers.

It's not personal, it's business.

If you don't want returns, don't advertise a return policy.

[kelnbucksmith]

Most buyers aren't scammers, from my experience. The problem is just how many scammers there actually are, with little we can do to defend against it. The thought process behind offering free returns was that I believe it's the right thing to do. Being honest has become a liability, which is a shame. I know it's not personal, but intent doesn't really have an affect on outcome. 

I appreciate your response

[kelnbucksmith]

Thank you for this! I think a large part of my problem was in not knowing the process, which allowed me to lead myself down a path of negativity and worry. 

[kelnbucksmith]

"Thoughts are just thoughts, not facts."

This is the part that's difficult to remember at times of stress. Thank you for your response. The anxiety is much more manageable because of this community, and all of the people who take the time to share their knowledge and experiences.